Freshfel Europe convenes its Annual General Meeting in Sicily on 15–16 April, bringing together over 100 leading figures from across the European and international fresh produce sector. This year’s gathering marks a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the association’s annual event, celebrating a quarter century of service to the fruit and vegetable industry. It is also the conclusion of the mandate of Salvo Laudani (Fruitimprese/Oranfrizer) as President of the Association.
Hosted by outgoing President Salvo Laudani, the Freshfel Europe annual event is moving to Sicily to celebrate the conclusion of his four-year presidency, capping a much longer period of dedicated engagement within the association. Welcoming participants to his home region, Mr. Laudani described the occasion as “a special edition” of the Annual General Assembly, reflecting both the sector’s achievements and the challenges it continues to face. Over the past years, the industry has navigated a complex landscape shaped by climate pressures, the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.
The annual event is also marking 25 years of Freshfel Europe servicing the fresh produce sector at the European level and beyond. Over the past quarter century, Freshfel Europe has built a strong reputation as the unified voice of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, promoting collaboration across stakeholders and advocating for the sector at European and global levels. The Association has conducted advocacy on the European regulatory environment for the sector and guided the industry in an evolving landscape. Despite these challenges, the fresh produce sector has demonstrated a strong capacity of adaptation and leadership, positioning itself as part of the solution to major societal concerns. Fruits and vegetables remain central to both public health and environmental sustainability, offering high nutritional value with a relatively low ecological footprint.
“As I come to the end of my mandate, I do so with deep gratitude” said Mr. Laudani. “It has been a true honour to serve a sector that is vital not only to Europe’s economy, but to the well-being of its citizens and the planet.” He added: “Celebrating this milestone, we must also raise the strength of our collective voice. Fruits and vegetables are uniquely positioned at the intersection of health and sustainability. Their contribution must be recognised more clearly in policy, markets, and by consumers alike.”
The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements but also to look ahead. Freshfel Europe will present a forward-looking manifesto developed by its Board, outlining priorities and ambitions for the next five years. The roadmap aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance the sector’s visibility, and ensure that fresh produce is fully recognised in shaping future European policies.
The two-day event will also mark the transition to new leadership, with Mr. Laudani expressing confidence in the incoming team’s ability to build on the association’s achievements and guide the sector forward.“It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable sector,” he concluded. “I leave with pride in what we have accomplished together, and with optimism for what lies ahead”.
Expanded mandate of the former Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE), and EXTR:ACT, welcomes an accomplished sustainability and policy leader to drive forward an accelerated agenda for fibre-based food and beverage packaging.
The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) to announced the appointment of Sebastian Bartels as its new Director General. A recognised leader in sustainability, Bartels brings two decades of international experience driving strategic change across a wide range of industries. He joins FBCA at a pivotal moment, as the Alliance expands beyond Europe into its global role in building resilient food and beverage systems and advancing the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
“We are excited to welcome Sebastian,” said Patrick Verhelst, President of the Board of FBCA. “His deep expertise in sustainability and broad experience across sectors and geographies make him the right person to lead FBCA’s next chapter. We are confident he will amplify the Alliance’s impact and its future reach beyond EU-from grassroots engagement to international policy dialogue and circular value chain data expertise.”
Bartels brings a wealth of experience in leadership across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, packaging, FMCG, and energy-gaining firsthand insight into operational and sustainability challenges across diverse markets. He has held senior roles in several countries and is known for his collaborative approach across business, policy, and civil society.
Most recently, he led the Sustainability Services focus area at DEKRA, overseeing a global portfolio of more than 500 services that support clients in sustainable business practices, product sustainability, and the energy transition. Prior to that, he served as Head of Global Quality & Safety Strategy at the global transportation, logistics, and infrastructure group Deutsche Bahn, where he was responsible for international governance in risk, safety, and quality management.
In addition to his business background, Bartels brings political and civil service experience, including six years as an elected city councillor and leadership roles in national and international industry bodies.
“Joining FBCA is a tremendous opportunity,” said Bartels. “Food and beverage cartons play a critical role in reducing waste and supporting secure, low-carbon food systems. I look forward to working with our members to strengthen the industry’s global voice and accelerate innovation across the value chain.”
His appointment marks a new phase of strategic growth for FBCA, reinforcing its mission to promote safe, circular, and sustainable packaging with purpose solutions in Europe and across key international markets.
About FBCA
The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) is a global platform uniting food and beverage carton manufacturers and their paperboard suppliers. Formed from the merger of ACE and EXTR:ACT, FBCA advocates for food and beverage cartons as safe, circular, and sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to resilient food systems and low-carbon, circular economies.
With great international experience, Mengoli spent 5 years with General Electric and was at the top levels of Tetra Pak for 15 years.
On 1st June, Giulio Mengoli became the new General Manager of the SACMI Group. His appointment was made official by the Board of Directors of the parent company, SACMI Imola.
A native of Padua, 49 years old, Giulio Mengoli has a long international experience, having held top positions in France, the United States, Brazil, Sweden and Italy.
The meeting with SACMI came in November 2018 and for 7 months Mengoli acted as General Manager of SACMI Business Units, immediately working alongside the present management to define the governance and strategic planning of the Group.
Giulio Mengoli takes over from Claudio Marani, who has led the SACMI Ceramics Division since 2000 and has been the Group’s General Manager since 2016.
“With the appointment of Mr. Mengoli as head of the SACMI Group – observed the president of SACMI Imola, Paolo Mongardi – we want to give a clear signal in the direction of further consolidation of the Group’s international vocation and strengthening of its leadership in all sectors of activity”. In the medium term, in addition to the development of core sectors, SACMI’s priorities include the issues of digital transformation and the circular economy, “to offer products and services that are increasingly customised and in line with the real needs of production and of the market”.
